Chapter 117

Chapter 117: Lin Yao Offers a Good Opportunity

The Zhang young madam smiled and sighed: “So-called fish and bear’s paw cannot both be had. My husband has no title to inherit and no astonishing talent; I may never receive a court rank in this life. Only being able to stay by his side is a point worth praising.”

Xin An, unfamiliar with this Zhang young madam, kept her tone courteous as she replied with quiet respect: “Though Young General Zhang is not by your side, he uses all his skill to guard the realm. That is admirable.”

The Zhang young madam laughed: “So it seems people truly cannot be compared. When compared, either you envy me, or I envy you. The world offers no perfect double blessing.”

Lin Yao, seated nearby, said with gentle amusement: “Coming to a temple lends one a touch of Zen. We women are already fortunate; however it is, we live rather at ease. Let us not keep yearning for more, lest we add needless troubles.”

She rose and gestured toward the water with a smile: “South Crossing Temple’s Lotus Pond has fine ambiance. I have had places set aside; let us go sit together.”

The temple was tranquil. Though there were no ice basins to cool the air, a slow breeze carried a thread of incense, making it all the more comfortable.

They took their seats. Naturally, talk turned to the bustle of the capital these last two days: who had brought home a new concubine, which household’s inner court was less than peaceful. Xin An found it a little funny; in the Buddha’s place, they were discussing idle gossip, and she wondered silently: [Does the Buddha enjoy listening to this?] Yet she was also rather interested.

Soon the Zhang young madam leaned closer with curiosity and asked, too forward for a stranger but unable to help herself: “Second Young Madam, I heard your mother-in-law and the Tao family’s madam went one after the other to the Count of Chang Ning’s residence. Madam Tao even went together with Tao Yi Ran. Countess Chang Ning is not easy to talk to. How did it go?”

Xin An thought the question somewhat abrupt, as they were not close, and replied with a small shake of the head, keeping the smile in her eyes: “I truly do not know. I only know they went; as to the particulars, my mother-in-law did not reveal a single word, and it is not my place to ask. I suppose Countess Chang Ning’s anger has cooled?”

The Zhang young madam found her dull. Who did not like to watch a sister-in-law’s drama, especially in Xin An’s situation? She likely decided that Xin An withheld because they were not close, and retorted with relish for the anecdote: “The year before last, Miss Yi and Miss Ning quarreled. It was only a spat between girls, hardly a serious matter, yet Countess Chang Ning clung to it relentlessly, and Madam Yi would not indulge her. The two households made a great spectacle.”

She added with a glint: “Now many families in the capital await how the marquisate will apologize. I fear Countess Chang Ning will not let it rest.”

Xin An’s expression remained calm; she set down her teacup lightly and answered with poise: “My elder sister-in-law excels at the zither, yet her temperament is too forthright, and she failed to consider Miss Ning’s face. She regretted it deeply upon returning to the residence. My mother-in-law went once, and though I do not know how the talk went, afterwards she also visited the Wang Family and was in fine spirits when she returned. I suppose she and Countess Chang Ning conversed agreeably.”

She concluded, even-toned: “Countess Chang Ning loves her daughter; if she spoke harshly, that is to be expected. As for Aunt Tao going together with my elder sister-in-law, it was only that Aunt Tao felt my mother-in-law should not bear the matter alone; lest it seem insincere, she personally accompanied them. It is hardly as serious as Young Madam Zhang suggests.”

Irritation flickered in the Zhang young madam’s heart. Because the Xin Family were merchants, she looked down on Xin An somewhat, and now Xin An had rebutted her, which she thought very ill-mannered. She sniffed with a brittle smile and said, more sharply than before: “Second Young Madam truly has a large heart, actually defending Tao Yi Ran.”

Xin An answered evenly: “I am only speaking to the facts, nothing more.”

Seeing the two come to points like needles, Lin Yao interposed with a laugh and rose, taking Xin An’s hand with lightness: “The tea at South Crossing Temple is indeed fine. Younger Sister Xin, come with me to adjust my robe.”

Xin An smiled and went with her. As they walked off, the Zhang young madam gave a soft, derisive sound and muttered: “What a performance.”

She lifted her chin and added with sourness: “She must be secretly delighted. I do not believe she has no thoughts about Tao Yi Ran.”

Han Wan’er refilled her cup and said with easy candor: “She is a new bride; how could she speak ill of the elder sister-in-law of her husband’s household? Besides, after a few encounters, I find her tight-lipped and not a talkative sort. If you hope to hear amusing tidbits from her mouth, I fear you will be disappointed.”

The Zhang young madam paused, then smiled, shaking her head, and sipped lightly: “I was foolish. This tea truly is excellent.”

A little later, Lin Yao and Xin An strolled along the edge of the Lotus Pond. Lin Yao said with a small smile: “The Zhang young madam is straightforward. Less than three months after her marriage, Young General Zhang led troops away. Bored, she likes to listen to the small jokes of various households. Do not take it to heart.”

Xin An replied with serenity: “Between my elder sister-in-law and me, the truth is not suitable for speaking outside. However it is within the residence, once I pass through the marquisate’s gate I must consider its face.”

She added gently, without resentment: “Besides, the Zhang young madam means no harm. With her husband away and no children by her side, she needs a few amusements to pass the days, does she not?” [In her memory, that Zhang young madam was famous for a long tongue.]

Lin Yao halted and regarded her with approval: “You are understanding; no wonder Second Younger Brother Tang keeps you in his heart.”

Xin An smiled. Seeing the great fish rise and sink in the Lotus Pond, she was intrigued. Lin Yao explained that most of the fish in the pond had been released by worshippers: “Each spring, the temple folk net them and send them to the great river outside the city to be set free, which also accumulates hidden virtue.”

Then Lin Yao turned to her purpose and asked plainly: “Tell me, would you have interest in donating to aid the poor?”

This was why she had invited Xin An out today.

Xin An answered readily, her tone modest yet firm: “Our Xin Family are merchants and know well the principle that when the cup overflows, it is lost. In Huai River lands we have never fallen behind in charity. If there is somewhere in dire need, Sister Lin may tell me directly. Whatever we can help with, we certainly will.”

Yet even as she spoke, her heart tightened; [she guessed that Lin Yao wished to speak of Qian Jin Hall]. Qian Jin Hall was where the healing arts were taught; many physicians in the city came from there. Each month Qian Jin Hall held free clinics, not only treating minor ailments without charge but also giving medicine freely. Many beggar children and the youngsters from the Foundling Bureau were among their patients. Among the poor, Qian Jin Hall had an excellent name.

The one who presided over Qian Jin Hall was the Empress; the women who took part in its good works were all noble ladies. [In her previous life, Xin An had wanted to donate to win favor with those ladies and thereby gain the Empress’s goodwill, but despite all her efforts she failed, because Lin Yao and others would not allow it.] Lin Yao’s father was indeed a military officer, but her mother and the Empress were friends from their maiden days; naturally Lin Yao had a voice in Qian Jin Hall. [Because she was disliked then and blocked at every turn, Xin An never succeeded.]

As expected, Lin Yao spoke of Qian Jin Hall, explained it in detail, then said frankly: “Training one physician allows him to save many more people; it is a great good. Yet though free clinics are excellent, the need for medicinal herbs is enormous. Supplies are often short, and the prices are not low. Do you have channels for herbs?”

Xin An thought of her Uncle Bai, the Xin Family’s basket for medicinal herbs; they consumed an unknown quantity every year. In order to satisfy his need for refining medicines, the family cooperated with several herb merchants. She nodded and answered with openness: “If it is ordinary herbs, that is manageable. Do you require anything rare?”

Lin Yao shook her head and replied straightforwardly: “That is not necessary; they are all common herbs. If you have the channels, I will give you a list later, would that do?”